Health units in the greater Kawarthas region are expanding testing at local assessment centres as a result of the Ontario government’s COVID-19 testing strategy announced last Friday (May 29).
The expanded testing now includes people with at least one symptom of COVID-19 (even mild or atypical symptoms), people who have no symptoms but are concerned they may have been exposed to COVID-19, and people who are at risk of exposure to COVID-19 either because of where they work or where they live.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include: fever; chills; a new or worsening cough; a barking cough; making a whistling noise when breathing; shortness of breath or unable to breathe deeply; sore throat; difficulty swallowing; runny, stuffy or congested nose not related to seasonal allergies or other known causes or conditions; lost sense of taste or smell; pink eye (conjunctivitis); headache that’s unusual or long lasting; digestive issues (nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain); muscle aches; extreme tiredness that is unusual; falling down often; and, for young children and infants, sluggishness or lack of appetite.
Here’s where to get tested, whether you have COVID-19 symptoms or not:
Peterborough City and County and Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations
For rural residents, three new one-day clinics are available:
- Friday, June 5th from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Hiawatha First Nation L.I.F.E. Centre. This clinic is only for residents living south of the Hiawatha First Nation checkpoint.
- Saturday, June 6th from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Curve Lake School. This clinic is for Curve Lake First Nation residents only.
- Monday, June 8th from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Township of North Kawartha at the Apsley Paramedic Base, located beside the North Kawartha Medical Centre at 183 Burleigh Street, Apsley. This clinic is open to all permanent residents as well as seasonal residents.
All three one-day clinics are available as drive-through or walk-in clinics, and no is appointment necessary. Other locations throughout Peterborough County are currently being coordinated and will be announced shortly.
The drive-through clinic at the Kinsmen Civic Centre (1 Kinsmen Way, Peterborough) is intended for residents with no COVID-19 symptoms. The clinic is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday only and will continue until at least Friday, June 19th.
Residents with mild symptoms of COVID-19 should make an appointment at the assessment centre at Peterborough Regional Health Centre by calling 705-876-5086. The assessment centre is currently open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Beginning Monday, June 8th, the hours will change to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
City of Kawartha Lakes
To book an appointment at the Ross Memorial Hospital COVID-19 assessment centre, call 705-328-6217 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Testing takes place at the Lindsay Exhibition (354 Angeline St. S., Lindsay) from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
Residents are encouraged to call to book a same-day appointment. While people without appointments can be tested at the centre, they may experience wait times.
Northumberland County
The Northumberland Hills Hospital COVID-19 assessment centre is open daily from 8 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Currently located in the Ambulatory Care Clinic, inside the hospital’s main entrance at 1000 DePalma Drive in Cobourg, the centre moves to a new location adjacent to the Emergency Department effective Monday, June 8th. Those arriving for assessment are asked to enter via the Emergency Department entrance (access to the centre will no longer be permitted through the hospital’s main entrance).
Assessments are available by appointment or on a walk-in basis (appointments are recommended to minimize wait times). People can the assessment centre at 905-377-7783 during operating hours in advance, if they are not sure if they should be assessed.
The Trent Hills COVID-19 assessment centre, located at the Rotary Hall boardroom at 175 Saskatoon Avenue in Campbellford, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.
A referral is no longer required. To book a test, call 705-395-1801 during operating hours.
Haliburton County
The Haliburton County COVID-19 assessment centre, located at the Haliburton Family Medical Centre at 7217 Gelert Road in Haliburton, is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
The assessment centre is for all residents of Haliburton County, regardless of whether they have a family doctor. To book an appointment for testing, call 705-457-1212 (press 6) during operating hours.
While testing is by appointment only, no person who is symptomatic or who is concerned they have been exposed to COVID-19 will be declined a test.
Hastings County
The North Hastings COVID-19 assessment centre, located at Qunite Healthcare Corporation at 1 Manor Lane in Bancroft, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Appointment are preferred to avoid lengthy wait times. Call 613-332-2825 ext. 2222 to book an appointment.
This story has been updated to note the new location of the assessment centre at Northumberland Hills Hospital effective June 8th.
